Discipline - When Motivation Fails You

Motivation is a finite resource. It is impossible for anyone to be motivated all the time. Life happens, and we simply cannot always be in the state of mind where we actively want to do the things we know we need to. Let’s talk about how discipline can keep you going when motivation fails you.

You Can’t Always be “Feeling it”

I’ll be honest with you: I haven’t been feeling it this week. Just like all of you, I have times during which my energy and motivation wane. Days when I don’t want to get up early, when I don’t want to lift the weights, to eat the right things, to do the right things.

However, one of the primary reasons I am able to overcome these times is that I plan for them. I instill discipline in myself by forming habits and routines that do not rely on motivation or being in the mood, because those things will inevitably fail you. By practicing daily discipline in a number of ways, you continually keep yourself in the mindset that the things you need to do are just what you do each day, no matter what else is going on or how you feel.

Discipline is rarely a single choice, made once and never faced again. Rather, it is a build-up of many small choices that become habits by virtue of consistent, daily repetition until they become rote. You no longer have to consciously think about whether or not you will do them. They are simply part of who you are. As you develop this skill, you extend it further and further into every area of your life. In this way, you cease to be reliant on finite mental resources like motivation or willpower. You will know that you possess the discipline to push through, even when you’re not feeling it.

Methods of Building Discipline

“The body should be treated more rigorously, that it may not be disobedient to the mind.” - Seneca the Younger

Long-time readers will know that this statement is one of my guiding principles, both in my own life and in Strength Per Second. If your physical health and strength are lacking, then your mental health and strength will suffer. To this end some of these basic physical habits can be immensely helpful.

Consistent Sleep Schedule

Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, even if nothing else is forcing you to. Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Consistent, proper rest will help keep you mentally and physically sharp.

Exercise

Regardless of what level of fitness you are at, stick to your fitness regimen. If you don’t have one, make one. If you don’t know how, ask me.

Eat Healthy

Processed sugar has been shown to have addictive properties on par with and even exceeding cocaine. If you can break that kind of addiction, you are well on your way toward building discipline.

How do You Maintain Discipline?

As always, I want to hear from all of you. What do you do when you’re not feeling it? How do you build and maintain your discipline? Share your stories below. You never know who you might inspire.